Quote from: lexon on February 03, 2010, 01:09:39 PM
I have put sound and speaker in an old MDC Climax ...

Wow -- how did you get the drive quiet enough so it wouldn't drown out the steam sounds? My old MDC Climax sounds like nails being thrown into a bench grinder.

My 2-10-2 w/o sound runs fine, as does my heavy Mountain with sound. Guess I lucked out ...

Has anyone actually heard the Soundbug's steam sound? I was going to get one until I was told that the "generic" steam sound on the Soundbug is a UP Challenger. However, Digitrax lists both generic steam and the Challenger among the available steam sounds on its Web site. I need mine for a USRA 0-8-0, so I don't want it to sound ridiculous. I know the Soundbug can be programmed, but I don't want to buy all the programming accessories for just one loco.

HO Yard Sale on Yahoo is a great place. I've been able to sell quite a few things and pick up some stuff as well.

I'm planning to put a Tsunami in mine.

I would also like to see how he manages to get DCC and sound in a Bowker. I got one of those locos in the early 1980s (still have it ... somewhere ... in pieces, likely) -- great looking little engine, but an awful runner. The huge motor fills the cab, and then some. I wish him luck with his sound project -- he's gonna need it.

Don't know about sound, but there was an article in RMC recently about upgrades to an IHC 4-4-0 including a new motor (still in the tender) and DCC decoder. That, along with new pickups, made it a great runner, according to the author.

FWIW, I have an AHM Genoa from the late 1970s. It was my first steamer ... well, actually the second, if you count the Tyco 4-8-0 that had to be returned because its wheelbase was too long for train-set curves. The Genoa survived a couple of "runaways" off the end of my train table that messed up the cowcatcher.

The only Connie-to-Mike stretch in the photo gallery is for a G scale outside-frame 2-8-0 ...

I've always thought the P2K drawbar connection was superior to the Bachmann Spectrum -- a single click to attach and detatch, rather than a bunch of flimsy wires and two tiny plugs that are hard to handle and connect from beneath, rather than a solid straight-on plug.

I have a Rivarossi Heavy Pacific (newer run with small flanges) that I'm willing to part with that might be suitable for your project. Contact me off forum if interested ...

Quote from: pdlethbridge on October 04, 2008, 10:19:00 PM
Digitrax makes the sound bug. I just got one. It attaches to their dh164 decoders but only needs 2 wires if it is used with other decoders, Red and black is all you need. It gets its power from the track. It as a sound module, speaker, capacitor prewired. If you look close to the module, you'll see 2 gold squares with holes, thats where it gets wired.

I bought a DH165 for my P2K 0-8-0 with the expectation of installing a Soundbug. I found out later from Digitrax that the "generic" steam sound preloaded on the Soundbug is a UP Challenger. Why they would choose that very specific loco as a "generic" sound is beyond me. And I'm not about to buy all the programming gear just for one decoder. So I guess I'll wait until a dealer like Tony's or Litchfield Station offers a service to customize Soundbugs upon purchase, assuming Digitrax ever offers a more suitable sound project for my loco.

If anybody makes this one, it will probably be MTH. They've already set a precedent for making rare behemoths ...

Quote from: Yampa Bob on September 30, 2008, 08:26:57 PM
As I mentioned in your other thread, I called Soundtraxx this morning for some information. 

I mentioned that many modelers aren't comfortable hard wiring or soldering on a plug.  I was informed that they are considering supplying the Tsunami with two options, flying leads or NMRA plug installed.

I'd like to see the Tsunami offered with an attached speaker, too. That and an attached plug would really make it plug and play.

That kit is notoriously bad. A Web search should turn up numerous tales of woe, along with some attempts at making it right.

D'oh! I'm embarassed to admit that this was the problem. Careless me ... but the loco runs perfectly now ... however, headlamp and backup light still don't work (didn't mention that in my original message) ... thanks for the kick in the pants, Charles 

Jim

Quote from: Ozzie21 on August 26, 2008, 02:19:57 PM
Check the two plugs under the cab. They may not be pushed fully home.

Charles Emerson
Queensland
Australia

Quote from: Jim2903 on August 26, 2008, 01:56:38 AM
I'm having trouble with a factory sound-equipped Spectrum Heavy Mountain (SP with Hicken) that I recently picked up second hand. The sound is fantastic -- beautiful, deep, throaty chuffs, which continue even after the loco comes to an abrupt halt without cutting off the throttle (I use a Digitrax Zephyr). A shove gets the engine moving again, but not for long. Since the sound stays on, I can be sure it's not an electrical problem. I'm guessing there's a bind in the side rods or the gears. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who may have experienced a similar problem and can recommend a solution. Thanks ...